NAF is shifting to an outcomes-driven approach to work-based learning, with a student-centered focus on goal setting and aspirations, transferable work skills, and meaningful professional relationships. As a result of this new approach and your support, students will be more confident and better prepared to navigate their professional journey after high school. They will be able to identify their careers of interest, map a plan to reach their goals, master skills they need to be successful, and make connections with partners like you who can help them navigate their path forward.
The ODWBL approach will be launching to the full Network during NAF Next on July 12-14, 2023.
How can we plan more impactful WBL activities?
In looking across the WBL Continuum (Career Awareness, Exploration, and Preparation), the impact of activities increases during each phase. Consider ways to elevate activities so that there is an increased focus on skill development. For example, convert a guest speaker event to a skills workshop by having the speaker briefly share their career path and then give students a specific project/activity to complete based on an element of the speaker’s work.
Does the shift to ODWBL mean that our organization’s internship programs should change in 2024?
Since ODWBL focuses on aspirations, skills, and connections, aligning your internship programs with this approach will help students achieve these outcomes while making positive contributions to your organization through their work. Assess your programs to see if any changes are needed but overall, it's about more intentionally focusing on the outcomes, especially skill development. Encourage your internship supervisors to participate in NAF-led trainings and to access the Internship Supervisor Resource Hub so they feel well prepared.
Are there certain WBL activities (aside from internships) that we should host?
Activities in the Career Exploration phase of the WBL Continuum are higher impact than Career Awareness (for example, guest speakers) since they involve skill development and a smaller professional to student ratio. Skills workshops (where students do a hands-on activity), informational interviews, resume reviews, mock interviews, partner engagement projects, mentoring, and job shadows are all examples of Career Exploration WBL activities.
